Share This Story!

Azamara Club Cruises sets maiden voyage to French Polynesia, Hawaii

Small-ship line Azamara Club Cruises will sail to French Polynesia and Hawaii in 2020 -- a first for the line. The new itinerary comes as the line is in the midst of expanding its capacity by 50% with the addition of a third ship.

Azamara Club Cruises in 2020 will offer a voyage to Hawaii and French Polynesia — a first for the line.

The 18-night sailing on the 690-passenger Azamara Journey will kick off Jan. 5, 2020 in Los Angeles and feature stops at seven of the Pacific's best-known islands.

Journey initially will spend five days at sea as it sails southwest from Los Angeles to the Hawaiian Islands. Four calls at the island chain are planned, at Hilo on the Big Island; Lahaina, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; and Nawiliwili, Kauai.

After departing Hawaii, Journey will spent six more days at sea on the long trip south to French Polynesia. Once there, it'll make day stops at Bora Bora and Moorea before ending the voyage with an overnight call at Papeete, Tahiti.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Built in 2000 for Renaissance Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises' 686-passenger Azamara Quest recently underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation to many of the ship’s public spaces, kitchens, cabins and restaurants. Azamara Club Cruises

Although standard draft beers like Bud Light and Becks are complimentary, Azamara offers a specialty package providing guests with a wider selection – including imported favorites like Amstel Light and even craft beers, at the pool bar. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Thanks to the smaller size of the Azamara Quest, the ship is able to park as close as possible to the hustle and bustle of ports. Here, the ship sits directly next to the popular Ferris wheel in downtown Helsinki. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Offering more laid-back pool fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, Cuban sandwiches and French fries, the Patio Grill is a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat for lunch or dinner. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The elegant staircase connects the fourth floor, home to staterooms, guest services and Land Discoveries, to the fifth floor, the bustling epicenter of the ship – home to the main restaurant, lounge, casino and shops. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

To the right of guest relations sits the loyalty and sales office, which can assist with booking new cruises and joining loyalty programs, while the map serves as an interactive guide to the hundreds of itineraries Azamara offers – as well as offering detailed information on each port, country and city. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The walkway leading to the Casino from Mosaic is lined by two shops – Indulgences, selling high-end jewelry, and Le Boutique, a discreet boutique selling high-end clothing and gifts. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

As you make your way towards the front of the ship on Deck Five, you’ll pass a grand piano and table for Park West, where the art collector and dealer on board can sell you the photos and prints you see throughout the ship. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Flanked by abstract and vibrant artwork, the Casino and neighboring bar is constantly buzzing with activity at night and is often the place to go before an evening show in the Cabaret Lounge. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

With a small bar and comfortable seating including couches, love seats and cocktail tables, the lounge is where guests catch up and enjoy light bites (like spiced olives and chunks of fresh feta cheese) while waiting for a table. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The formal restaurant on the ship, Discoveries is a favorite for guests looking for a fresh and varied menu in a more upscale environment. Here, waiters serve you and the menu features up to four courses. It’s open for breakfast from 8 - 10 a.m. and for dinner from 5 - 10 p.m. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The main focal point of the dining room is the sleek and modern silver chandelier, located in the center of the room. The light, along with other little details in the room, were added during the renovations. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The wood-paneled mirror wall on the left side of the restaurant’s entrance was an original fixture of the ship and adds a touch of old-world style to the rest of the room’s modern furniture and table settings. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Discoveries is also very conscious of guests with allergies, health concerns and food preferences, and offers options for just about anyone, like this gluten-free ahi tuna salad. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Right off the entrance of Discoveries Restaurant is a side deck used mostly by staff, but it can be a quiet and beautiful place to enjoy the sunset, relax after dinner or watch the view. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Along with two elevator banks on each side of the ship, the Quest has two sets of passenger staircases – which feature the same scrolling pattern of the grand staircase in the lobby with statement artwork, collectible antiques and an original painted ceiling. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Five floors above Discoveries is one of the Quest’s specialty restaurants, Prime C Steakhouse. The upcharge is $30 per guest, depending on the evening, and the menu features a more elegant menu curated specifically by the chef. Azamara Club Cruises

The menu at Prime C boasts a collection of specialty cuts of prime grade beef, with the most popular being the filet. Guests looking for the chef’s recommendation can book a coveted chef’s table seat, which is offered three times during the course of the cruise. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The chef’s pick changes daily, but more often than not, a seafood pasta (paired with house-made noodles) will make an appearance – featuring freshly caught seafood, mussels, clams or oysters from the local regions. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The Sanctum Spa, located on the ninth floor, offers guests a collection of services to enjoy during their cruise, from facials to massages and even hair cuts, blow-outs and manicures and pedicures. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

On the table adjacent to the reservation desk is a sign-up sheet for the neighboring gym’s fitness classes, as well as a full-service spa menu, featuring the treatments and their prices. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Only available to spa guests and suite passengers, the outdoor Terrace offers a quiet place to enjoy views of the sea, with lounge chairs and a pool used for relaxing or for thalassotherapy treatments. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The small treatment rooms, some with windows, are where guests can unwind with a massage – ranging from 50 to 90 minutes. The therapists also use calming and scented oils to aid relaxation. Azamara Club Cruises

Right next to the spa is the Quest’s fitness facility, which has state-of-the-art machines for guests looking to stay in shape on the cruise. In addition to the machines, the Quest employs a personal trainer who hosts daily fitness classes (like spinning and pilates) in the mornings for those looking for a group experience. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

One of the more popular stateroom options onboard the Quest is the Club Veranda room, which has 175 square feet of room inside and a veranda that boasts 40 square feet. With the ability to configure two twin beds or one queen, the space also allows for a small desk and couch seating area. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

For suite guests and VIPs, the Quest’s hotel manager provides a bottle of complimentary Perrier-Jouet Champagne and glasses upon arrival. Plus, the mini-bar adjacent to the TV is fully stocked with wine, beer options, water, juices and other non-alcoholic beverages. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

The bathrooms, which feature a double flush toilet, standing shower with adjustable shower hose and French doors, large sink and mirror, come with bright lights and just enough space to maneuver around. Azamara Club Cruises

Located on the ninth level adjacent to the spa, the Club Spa Suites are brand new additions to the Quest in 2016 and feature double glass sinks, a full veranda, a queen-size bed and seating areas. Azamara Club Cruises

With its own separate bedroom with a large queen-size bed and 40-inch TV, the Club Ocean Suite is one of the most spacious onboard and also features a dressing room, vanity and large closets. Azamara Club Cruises

Also completely renovated this year, the Ocean Suite’s living room has updated and contemporary décor with a loveseat, two accent chairs and a four-person table, as well a 233-square-foot veranda. Azamara Club Cruises

Like the larger version on the fourth floor, the interactive tabletop in the Living Room allows guests to explore new Azamara itineraries on the renovated Quest, as well as videos detailing the land discoveries and port explorations. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

On the other side of the ship from the Living Room is the Library, a small and quiet space with cozy seating, fully stocked bookcases with new and old favorites, as well as the desk of the IT specialist on board. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY

Renting a book onboard is simple – just jot down your name, stateroom and the book you’ve borrowed, and return it before the end of the cruise. It’s a great way to unwind peacefully after dinner or during sea days. Claire Volkman for USA TODAY